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Key Points

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has refused to appear before a special counsel team investigating his martial law declaration. Currently detained since July, Yoon faces multiple serious charges including leading an insurrection and abusing presidential powers. A bail hearing is scheduled for Friday, where he will seek release to prepare his defense. The special counsel is particularly interested in questioning Yoon about an alleged drone operation to provoke North Korea last October.

Key Points: Yoon Suk Yeol Rejects Counsel Summons Amid Martial Law Probe

  • Yoon remains in custody at Seoul Detention Centre since July
  • Special counsel seeks questioning about alleged drone provocation
  • Bail hearing scheduled for Friday
  • Multiple trials pending for insurrection and power abuse
2 min read

South Korea's ex-Prez Yoon rejects special counsel summons for questioning this week

Ex-South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol refuses special counsel questioning over controversial martial law allegations

"I understand that former President Yoon verbally informed a detention centre officer of his nonappearance - Park Ji-young, Assistant Special Counsel"

Seoul, Sep 23

South Korea's former President Yoon Suk Yeol has notified correctional officials he will not appear before a special counsel team for questioning later this week, officials said on Tuesday.

On Saturday, special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team summoned the jailed former president to appear for questioning on Wednesday over allegations related to his short-lived martial law declaration in December, Yonhap News Agency reported.

"I understand that former President Yoon verbally informed a detention centre officer of his nonappearance," assistant special counsel Park Ji-young said in a briefing. "(We) will see if he actually does not appear tomorrow and then consider whether to summon him again."

Cho's team had been expected to use this week's session to question Yoon about allegations that he ordered a drone dispatch to Pyongyang last October to allegedly provoke North Korea and justify his martial law declaration.

The team has so far only questioned military officials about the operation, with Saturday's summons marking the first time investigators have asked Yoon to appear for questioning over the allegations.

Yoon, who has remained in custody at Seoul Detention Centre in Uiwang, just south of the capital, since July, has been standing trial on charges of leading an insurrection and abusing his power through the martial law bid.

Meanwhile, a Seoul court will hold a hearing on Yoon's request for bail later this week, legal sources said on Tuesday.

The hearing will be held at the Seoul Central District Court at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, after Yoon filed for bail last week, citing his right to defend himself and issues with his health.

The former president has been standing trial on charges of leading an insurrection through his martial law attempt, and a second trial on separate charges of violating the rights of Cabinet members and creating a revised proclamation after the martial law declaration is set to begin on Friday.

The bail hearing is expected to take place immediately after the first hearing of the second trial.

Last week, legal sources said that Yoon Suk Yeol has requested to be released on bail, citing the need to prepare his defence and health concerns.

The application was filed on September 19 with the Seoul Central District Court, which is handling charges against him for obstruction of duties and abuse of authority. A date for the bail hearing has not yet been set, Yonhap News Agency reported.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Interesting to see how different countries handle their ex-leaders. In India, we've had our own controversies but rarely see former PMs in detention. The drone dispatch allegation sounds serious though.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows international politics, this case shows the importance of accountability. No leader should be above the law, whether in Korea or anywhere else. Hope justice prevails.
A
Arjun K
Health concerns while in custody - this reminds me of some political cases in India too. The justice system needs to balance proper legal process with humanitarian considerations.
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Vikram M
While I support accountability, I wonder if this is becoming too politicized. Sometimes these investigations seem more about settling scores than actual justice. Hope they focus on facts, not politics.
M
Michael C
The drone dispatch to provoke North Korea allegation is particularly concerning. Regional stability matters for all of Asia, including India. Hope the truth comes out properly.

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